In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has extended the tenure of all Local Government Chairmen across the country to four years, a decision that strengthens the autonomy of local governments nationwide....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
The judgment, delivered on May 11, 2024, by Justice Mohammed Garba and six other justices, marks a significant victory for grassroots governance.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Justice Garba, in the Certified-True-Copy (CTC) of the judgment, highlighted the plight of local governments, which have been starved of resources and authority by state governments.
He described the situation as “one tier of government’s inhumanity to another tier of government,” noting that local governments are constitutionally recognized as the third tier of government in Nigeria.
The ruling highlights the constitutional and financial independence of local governments, affirming their crucial role within the federal structure. Justice Garba emphasized that local governments are distinct entities with their own mandates and responsibilities, not just extensions of state governments.
The judgment addresses delays in local government elections, which often leave councils in limbo. Justice Garba emphasized that tenure extensions must be legally justified and align with the electorate’s mandate, especially in cases of insecurity or other significant reasons.
The landmark ruling is anticipated to enhance stability and empower local governments, allowing them to carry out their functions without excessive interference from state governments. It also underscores the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of all government tiers in Nigeria.
